Thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering for use with an electronic display module

Abstract

A thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering for use with an electronic display module for the protection of persons coming into inadvertent contact with an electronic display module incorporating the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering and for protection of the electronic display module incorporating the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering. The resilient, flexible and energy absorbent thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering is overmolded to the louvers of an electronic display module at a suitable protection thickness exceeding the depth of the exposed louver components to protectively cover up any sharp, pointed or other player-damaging shapes of the louver panel.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10 / 688,304 filed Oct. 17, 2003, entitled “Electronic Display Module Having a Four-Point Latching System for Incorporation into an Electronic Sign and Process”, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,271.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention is for an electronic sign, but more precisely relates to a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering for use with an electronic display module for the protection of persons coming into inadvertent contact with an electronic display module incorporating the thermoplastic protective louver covering and for protection of the electronic display module itself.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Prior art electronic information displays incorporating electronic display modules are often placed in close physical proximity to a sporting event. A participating player in a sporting e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]According to one or more embodiments there is provided a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering, the present invention, shown in use with an electronic display module where the protective louver covering comprised of, but not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer, also known as TPE, is overmolded to the outermost surface of the electronic display module, i.e., to the exterior of the louver located at the forward portion of the electronic display module. A plurality of elongated holes, which are in the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering, allow components of an electronic display module including, but not limited to, a plurality of protruding louvers and a corresponding plurality of closely associated pixels comprised of groups of light emitting diodes (LEDs) extending therethrough, to be viewed unobstructed and unhampered. The thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering is overmolded on the louver panel to a suitable depth of protection which is preferably at least thicker than the depth of the exposed louver panel components and covers up any sharp, pointed or other potentially player-damaging shapes of the louvers on the louver panel. The thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering provides protection to points of contact between the player and the electronic display module because of the thickness and inherent properties of the thermoplastic elastomer which make the thermoplastic elastomer elastic and flexible and impact absorbent. The thermoplastic elastomer material is also resistant to abrasion and is suitable for use in a wide range of temperatures. The thermoplastic elastomer can be sized to the individual electronic display module and not to the overall size of an electronic sign display, thereby eliminating the need for large and unwieldy protective sheets. The thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering is thusly located at the area where possible contact could occur between the players or sports items, such as a ball or other related items, and the electronic display modules. When player / panel impact does occur, the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering absorbs some of the energy so that the consequential impacting damages are reduced to both the player and the electronic display module. The thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering can be suitably shaped to allow for maximum vertical and horizontal views of the LEDs comprising the LED pixels. The thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering is shown in use and in intimate or near intimate contact with supporting and otherwise related and closely associated components of an electronic display module including, but not limited to, a louver panel, an LED display panel, and a housing.

[0010]Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering to space underlying components of the louver panel from the players to protect the players from collision injury.

[0011]Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of an impact absorbent thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering to protect the structure of an electronic display module from impact injury caused by impact of a player or sport equipment.

[0012]Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of holes within the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering which accommodate the extension of light emitting diodes and extension of corresponding louvers of a louver panel therethrough to facilitate shaded, uncovered, unobstructed and unhampered viewing of the light emitting diodes.

[0014]Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use spaces between rows of protective protrusions at the exterior exposed surface of the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering which allow viewing of light emitting diodes from the side at maximum vertical and horizontal sighting views.

[0016]Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of a thermoplastic elastomer which exhibits minimal reflection and can be painted to further improve contrast.

Problems solved by technology

A participating player in a sporting event who runs into the electronic display can possibly cause damage to himself or herself or to the electronic display module components.

When the louvers are contacted with force by a sports person, the louvers could puncture the players skin or otherwise cause injury to the player.

Other damage may be incurred by errant sports equipment, such as a sports ball hitting the electronic display module.

Heat and cold often compromised the use of Plexiglass®, wherein expansion and contraction with extreme heat or cold complicated the design.

Plexiglass® sheet splices proved unsatisfactory in that players impinging an unsupported seam between adjacent Plexiglass® sheets could be injured.

To counteract such an arrangement, sheets were overlapped, thereby creating an undesirable visual aberration.

Additionally, Plexiglass® is reflective wherein light sources reflecting from the Plexiglass® surface could be distractive to the player or to a sports fan.

Often these or other additional remedial steps incurred additional production time and expense.

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